Swords, spears, firecrackers all banned at Dhaka's Ashura processions, says DMP

The restriction will apply from the start to the finish of the Tazia processions

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has banned the carrying of weapons and weapon-like items, as well as the use of fireworks and firecrackers, during Ashura processions in the capital on Jun 26.

The restriction has been imposed for the entire duration of the processions, from start to finish.

A public notice issued on Sunday under sections 28 and 29 of the DMP Ordinance, signed by Commissioner Mosleh Uddin Ahmed, prohibits cleavers, daggers, spears, lances, swords and sticks, along with firecrackers and fireworks.

Ashura, observed on the 10th of Muharram, is one of the most significant dates in the Islamic calendar.

For Shia Muslims in particular, it commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, at the Battle of Karbala in present-day Iraq in 680 CE.

Tazia processions are mourning marches held to remember the tragedy of Karbala.

The DMP said some participants had in past years carried weapons during the processions, creating untoward situations that threatened public safety and triggered panic among ordinary citizens.

The capital's police force added that while lighting fireworks and firecrackers has become a custom during Muharram, it does not match the religious solemnity of the day.